American Madison Keys produced an inspired display to beat defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in the Australian Open final on Saturday and capture her maiden Grand Slam title.

The 29-year-old, who became the fourth-oldest first-time Grand Slam champion in the professional era, ended top seed Sabalenka's bid for a third straight Melbourne Park crown.

"Okay bear with me, I'm absolutely going to cry," Keys said as she cradled the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.